beginner ATM help: finderscope to focuser

troypiggo (Troy) · #1 10-10-2009, 08:58 AM

I'm a bit of an ATM gumby, so there's probably a simple solution to this but...

I successfully fitted a Bintel 10:1 crayford focuser to my ED80. That was simple enough.

I bought an Antares illuminated right angle finder but am having trouble fitting it on the focuser. Spoke to the guys at Bintel, and they sent me out dovetail bases for the ED80 and my C8 as well as a bracket for an 8x50 finderscope similar to this one. Thought I was on the right track, until...

Problem #1: The finderscope doesn't fit in the bracket. It's an 8x50 finder, and it's an 8x50 bracket, but it just doesn't fit. I even unscrewed the hood part, which holds the front lens in place by the way. I also tried unscrewing the diagonal part at the back. It's the optical tube part of the finder that is just a millimetre or less too big. I'm wondering if this is the reason why if you look at the "accessories" link on the OPTCorp page linked above they're showing a guide ring type finder bracket instead?

Problem #2: Connecting the dovetail bases to the focuser. The bases have 2 holes, one on each side. The focuser only has a position for one screw. If I screw the base on assuming only one screw is sufficient, it doesn't sit flat on the focuser with the other leg/side of the base sitting up in the air. It's because the screws are countersunk.

What do you reckon the best solution is?

I'm thinking of sending the bracket and bases back to Bintel and getting one of the guide ring type ones with a single central screw. Apparently Bintel don't carry them any more, but I'll have to confirm that again.

Could also get rid of the finder and get one that does fit, counter sink a new central hoes.

troypiggo (Troy) · #2 10-10-2009, 11:27 AM

Been thinking about it. Think the smart option would be to keep the finder and get the guide ring type brackets.

gbeal · #3 10-10-2009, 12:01 PM

I have a variety of finders, and the one that really stands out (apart from my Zeiss finders of course) is the Antares. I have a couple of them, and they are great, exceptional even.
Persevere with getting a bracket to fit the focuser and finder, so yes, your second post is what I would suggest.
I dislike the fixed front and rear adjustment style of bracket too. If I had my way all brackets would have 6 adjustment screws, I especially dislike the 2 adjustment plus sprung third point.
Gary

Ian Robinson · #4 10-10-2009, 12:55 PM

If I were you, I'd toss the finderscope bracket (that supposedly attaches to the focusor) into the wizbin and buy one of these http://www.lumicon.com/telescope-acc...ope+Bracket&hn= direct from Lumicon.

That'll sort your finderscope alignment and fitting problems.

troypiggo (Troy) · #5 10-10-2009, 01:00 PM

Thanks for supporting my thoughts guys.

Ian - yeah, those are the sort of brackets I was talking about when I said "guide ring" type ones. Thanks for the link.